Antistatic composition

ABSTRACT

An antistatic composition comprises (a) at least one ionic salt consisting of a nonpolymeric nitrogen onium cation and a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anion, the conjugate acid of the anion being a superacid; and (b) at least one thermoplastic polymer. The composition exhibits good antistatic performance over a wide range of humidity levels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to compositions comprising at least one polymerand at least one antistatic agent. This invention further relates tofibers, films, fabrics, coatings, and molded or blown articlescomprising the compositions. In other aspects, this invention alsorelates to novel compounds that are useful as antistatic agents and toprocesses for imparting antistatic characteristics to substrates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrostatic charge buildup is responsible for a variety of problems inthe processing and use of many industrial products and materials.Electrostatic charging can cause materials to stick together or to repelone another. This is a particular problem in fiber and textileprocessing. In addition, static charge buildup can cause objects toattract dirt and dust, which can lead to fabrication or soiling problemsand can impair product performance.

Sudden electrostatic discharges from insulating objects can also be aserious problem. With photographic film, such discharges can causefogging and the appearance of artifacts. When flammable materials arepresent, a static electric discharge can serve as an ignition source,resulting in fires and/or explosions.

Static is a particular problem in the electronics industry, since modernelectronic devices are extremely susceptible to permanent damage bystatic electric discharges. The buildup of static charge on insulatingobjects is especially common and problematic under conditions of lowhumidity and when liquids or solids move in contact with one another(tribocharging).

Static charge buildup can be controlled by increasing the electricalconductivity of a material. This can be accomplished by increasing ionicor electronic conductivity. The most common means of controlling staticaccumulation today is by increasing electrical conductivity throughmoisture adsorption. This is commonly achieved by adding moisture to thesurrounding air (humidification) or by use of hygroscopic antistaticagents, which are generally referred to as humectants since they rely onthe adsorption of atmospheric moisture for their effectiveness. Mostantistatic agents operate by dissipating static charge as it builds up;thus, static decay rate and surface conductivity are common measures ofthe effectiveness of antistatic agents.

Antistatic agents can be applied to the surface (external antistat) orincorporated into the bulk (internal antistat) of an otherwiseinsulating material. Internal antistats are commonly employed inpolymers such as plastics. Generally, internal antistats are mixeddirectly into a molten polymer during melt processing. (Typical polymermelt processing techniques include molding, melt blowing, melt spinning,and melt extrusion.) Relatively few antistatic agents have the requisitethermal stability to withstand polymer melt processing temperatures,which can be as high as 250 to 400° C. or more. Since static buildup istypically a surface phenomenon, internal antistats that are capable ofmigrating to and enriching the surface of a material are generally mosteffective.

Known antistatic agents cover a broad range of chemical classes,including organic amines and amides, esters of fatty acids, organicacids, polyoxyethylene derivatives, polyhydridic alcohols, metals,carbon black, semiconductors, and various organic and inorganic salts.Many are also surfactants and can be neutral or ionic in nature.

Many low molecular weight, neutral antistats have sufficiently highvapor pressures that they are unsuitable for use at high temperatures,as in polymer melt processing, due to material losses that occur viaevaporation. Many other neutral antistats have insufficient thermalstability to survive polymer melt processing or other high temperatureprocessing conditions.

Most nonmetallic antistats are humectants that rely on the adsorptionand conductivity of water for charge dissipation. Thus, theireffectiveness is typically diminished at low atmospheric humidity. Sincemany of these antistatic agents are also water soluble, they are easilyremoved by exposure of the material to water (as in washing) and aretherefore not very durable. Water associated with hygroscopic antistaticagents can be a particular problem during polymer melt processing, sincethe water tends to vaporize rapidly at melt processing temperatures.This leads to the undesirable formation of bubbles in the polymer andcan cause screw slippage in extrusion equipment.

Quaternary ammonium salts are well known in the art to be usefulantistatic agents. They can be solid or liquid, the most common beinghalide or methanesulfonate salts. The salts provide excellent antistaticperformance but suffer from limited thermal stability and are generallyhygroscopic. Thus, they are not capable of withstanding the hightemperature processing conditions required for many high performancethermoplastic resins.

Metal salts of inorganic, organic, and fluoroorganic anions have alsoshown proven utility as antistatic agents in certain polymercompositions. Alkali metal salts are most commonly employed, due to costand toxicity considerations and to the high affinity of alkali metalcations, especially lithium, for water. However, most metal saltsprovide insufficient thermal stability under high temperature processingconditions and are not compatible with polymers of moderate to lowpolarity, such as polypropylene, polyester, and polycarbonate. Thisincompatibility can result in inadequate antistat performance and/or anunacceptable reduction in physical properties or transparency in afinished polymeric article. Consequently, the utility of metal salts asinternal antistatic agents is generally limited to highly polar and/orhydrophilic polymer matrices cast from aqueous or organic solution atrelatively low temperatures.

Furthermore, since many metal salts are corrosive towards metals andelectronic components, they are unsuitable for applications where theymay come into contact with such surfaces. Known hydrophilic metal saltsand quaternary ammonium salts generally suffer all the disadvantages ofother humectant antistatic agents (vide supra).

Thus, there remains a need in the art for antistatic agents that exhibita superior balance of high thermal stability, hydrophobicity, lowvolatility, low corrosivity toward metals and electronic components,durability, and polymer compatibility, and that can impart goodantistatic performance to a variety of insulating materials over a widerange of humidity levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in one aspect, this invention provides an antistaticcomposition comprising or consisting essentially of a melt blend of (a)at least one ionic salt consisting of a nonpolymeric nitrogen oniumcation (for example, a quaternary ammonium ion) and a weaklycoordinating fluoroorganic anion, the conjugate acid of the anion beinga superacid (for example, a bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imide ion); and(b) at least one thermoplastic polymer. As used herein, the term “meltblend” means a blend that has been prepared by melt processingtechnique(s), and the term “onium” means a positively charged ion havingat least part of its charge localized on at least one nitrogen atom.Preferably, the Hammett acidity function, H₀, of the conjugate acid ofthe anion is less than about −10.

It has been discovered that the above-described ionic salts can be usedas additives (internal antistats) or topical treatments (externalantistats) to impart antistatic characteristics to polymers or otherinsulating materials. These ionic salts are surprisingly effective atdissipating the static charge that can accumulate in an otherwiseinsulating substrate such as a polymer film or fabric. For example, whenincorporated as polymer melt additive in polypropylene melt-blownnonwoven fabric, certain preferred salts impart static dissipation ratesthat are as good or better than those of any known antistatic agentsunder the same static decay test conditions. The ionic salts used in thecomposition of the invention are effective, even without the presence ofa conductivity enhancing additive (for example, a lithium salt or apolar organic solvent), and thus compositions consisting essentially ofsalt and insulating material surprisingly exhibit good antistaticcharacteristics.

In addition, the ionic salts used in the composition of the inventionexhibit surprisingly high thermal stabilities. The salts (surprisingly,even the quaternary ammonium salts) remain stable at temperatures up to300-500° C. (often, and preferably, at temperatures greater than 350°C.) and thus are particularly well-suited for use as polymer meltadditives (incorporated in host polymer through high temperature meltprocessing) and in applications where the use temperatures are veryhigh. The salts are also nonvolatile (having essentially no vaporpressure), nonflammable, and can be utilized under normal processing anduse conditions without the emission of potentially harmful vapors andwithout the gradual declines in antistat performance that result fromevaporative loss.

The ionic salts used in the composition of the invention are compatiblewith a variety of polymers. Many of the salts are also hydrophobic(immiscible with water), and thus their antistatic performance isrelatively independent of atmospheric humidity levels and durable evenunder exposure to aqueous environments. Preferred ionic salts are liquidat room temperature (for example, at about 25° C.) and above.

The ionic salts used in the composition of the invention therefore meetthe need in the art for antistatic agents that exhibit a superiorbalance of high thermal stability, hydrophobicity, low volatility,durability, and polymer compatibility, while imparting good antistaticperformance to a variety of insulating materials over a wide range ofhumidity levels.

In other aspects, this invention also provides fiber, fabric, film, acoating, and a molded or blown article comprising the composition of theinvention; novel compounds useful as antistatic agents; and processesfor imparting antistatic characteristics to a substrate, for example, bybulk addition or by topical treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Ionic salts suitable for use in the antistatic composition of theinvention are those that consist of a nonpolymeric nitrogen onium cationand a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic (either fully fluorinated, thatis perfluorinated, or partially fluorinated) anion. The nitrogen oniumcation can be cyclic (that is, where the nitrogen atom(s) of the cationare ring atoms) or acyclic (that is, where the nitrogen atom(s) of thecation are not ring atoms but can have cyclic substituents). The cycliccations can be aromatic, unsaturated but nonaromatic, or saturated, andthe acyclic cations can be saturated or unsaturated.

The cyclic cations can contain one or more ring heteroatoms other thannitrogen (for example, oxygen or sulfur), and the ring atoms can bearsubstituents (for example, hydrogen, halogen, or organic groups such asalkyl, alicyclic, aryl, alkalicyclic, alkaryl, alicyclicalkyl, aralkyl,aralicyclic, and alicyclicaryl groups). Separate alkyl substituents canbe joined together to constitute a unitary alkylene radical of from 2 to4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure converging on nitrogen. Organicsubstituents can contain one or more heteroatoms such as, for example,nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, or halogen (and thus can befluoroorganic in nature).

The acyclic cations can have at least one (preferably, at least two;more preferably, at least three; most preferably, four) nitrogen-bondedorganic substituents or R groups, with the remaining substituents beinghydrogen. The R groups can be cyclic or acyclic, saturated orunsaturated, aromatic or nonaromatic, and can contain one or moreheteroatoms such as, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus,or halogen (and thus can be fluoroorganic in nature).

Preferably, the nitrogen onium cation is acyclic, saturated cyclic, oraromatic. More preferably, the cation is acyclic or aromatic. Mostpreferably, the cation is aromatic for stability reasons.

Preferred acyclic nitrogen onium cations are quaternary or tertiary(most preferably, quaternary) ammonium ions. The quaternary and tertiaryammonium ions are preferably of low symmetry (having at least two,preferably at least three, different nitrogen-bonded organicsubstituents or R groups as defined above) and more preferably containat least one hydroxyl group in at least one nitrogen-bonded organicsubstituent. Most preferred acyclic nitrogen onium cations are thosedescribed below for the ionic salts of Formula I.

Preferred aromatic nitrogen onium cations are those selected from thegroup consisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms, two said alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkyleneradical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure convergingon N, and phenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, alkyleneradicals, or phenyl groups can be substituted with one or more electronwithdrawing groups (preferably selected from the group consisting of F—,Cl—, CF₃—, SF₅—, CF₃S—, (CF₃)₂CHS—, and (CF₃)₃CS—).

More preferred aromatic cations include those selected from the groupconsisting of

where R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are as defined above.

The weakly coordinating anion is a fluoroorganic anion, the conjugateacid of which is a superacid (that is, an acid that is more acidic than100 percent sulfuric acid). Preferably, the Hammett acidity function,H₀, of the conjugate acid of the anion is less than about −10 (morepreferably, less than about −12). Such weakly coordinating fluoroorganicanions include those that comprise at least one highly fluorinatedalkanesulfonyl group, that is, a perfluoroalkanesulfonyl group or apartially fluorinated alkanesulfonyl group wherein all non-fluorinecarbon-bonded substituents are bonded to carbon atoms other than thecarbon atom that is directly bonded to the sulfonyl group (preferably,all non-fluorine carbon-bonded substituents are bonded to carbon atomsthat are more than two carbon atoms away from the sulfonyl group).

Preferably, the anion is at least about 80 percent fluorinated (that is,at least about 80 percent of the carbon-bonded substituents of the anionare fluorine atoms). More preferably, the anion is perfluorinated (thatis, fully fluorinated, where all of the carbon-bonded substituents arefluorine atoms). The anions, including the preferred perfluorinatedanions, can contain one or more catenary (that is, in-chain) heteroatomssuch as, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

Suitable weakly coordinating anions include, but are not limited to,anions selected from the group consisting of perfluoroalkanesulfonates,cyanoperfluoroalkanesulfonylamides,bis(cyano)perfluoroalkanesulfonylmethides,bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides,bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides, andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides.

Preferred anions include perfluoroalkanesulfonates,bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides, andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides. Thebis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides are more preferred anions, withthe bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides being most preferred.

The ionic salts can be solids or liquids under use conditions butpreferably have melting points less than about 150° C. (more preferably,less than about 50° C.; most preferably, less than about 25° C.). Liquidionic salts are preferred due to their generally better staticdissipative performance. The ionic salts are preferably stable attemperatures of about 325° C. and above (more preferably, about 350° C.and above). (In other words, the onset of decomposition of the salts isabove such temperatures.) The salts are also preferably hydrophobic.Thus, a preferred class of ionic salts for use in the antistaticcomposition of the invention includes those that consist of (a) anaromatic nitrogen onium cation selected from the group consisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms, two said alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkyleneradical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure convergingon N, and phenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, alkyleneradicals, or phenyl groups can be substituted with one or more electronwithdrawing groups (preferably selected from the group consisting of F—,Cl—, CF₃—, SF₅—, CF₃S—, (CF₃)₂CHS—, and (CF₃)₃CS—); and (b) a weaklycoordinating fluoroorganic anion in accordance with the abovedescription or a weakly coordinating anion selected from the groupconsisting of BF₄—, PF₆—, AsF₆—, and SbF₆—. This preferred classcomprises a subclass of the hydrophobic ionic liquids described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,827,602 (Koch et al.), the description of the members ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

Another preferred class of ionic salts useful in preparing theantistatic composition of the invention is the class of novel compoundsrepresented by Formula I below

(R₁)_(4−z)N⁺[(CH₂)_(q)OR₂]_(z)X⁻  (I)

wherein each R₁ is independently selected from the group consisting ofalkyl, alicyclic, aryl, alkalicyclic, alkaryl, alicyclicalkyl, aralkyl,aralicyclic, and alicyclicaryl moieties that can contain one or moreheteroatoms such as, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus,or halogen (and thus can be fluoroorganic in nature); each R₂ isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and themoieties described above for R₁; z is an integer of 1 to 4; q is aninteger of 1 to 4; and X⁻ is a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anionas described above. R₁ is preferably alkyl, and R₂is preferably selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and acyl (more preferably,hydrogen or acyl; most preferably, hydrogen).

The above-described ionic salts that are useful in the antistaticcomposition of the invention can be prepared by ion exchange ormetathesis reactions, which are well known in the art. For example, aprecursor onium salt (for example, an onium halide, oniumalkanesulfonate, onium alkanecarboxylate, or onium hydroxide salt) canbe combined with a precursor metal salt or the corresponding acid of aweakly coordinating anion in aqueous solution. Upon combining, thedesired product (the onium salt of the weakly coordinating anion)precipitates (as a liquid or solid) or can be preferentially extractedinto an organic solvent (for example, methylene chloride). The productcan be isolated by filtration or by liquid/liquid phase separation, canbe washed with water to completely remove by product metal halide saltor hydrogen halide, and can then be dried thoroughly under vacuum toremove all volatiles (including water and organic solvent, if present).Similar metathesis reactions can be conducted in organic solvents (forexample, acetonitrile) rather than in water, and, in this case, the saltby product preferentially precipitates, while the desired product saltremains dissolved in the organic solvent (from which it can be isolatedusing standard experimental techniques). A few of the ionic salts (forexample, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate,available from Sigma Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) are commerciallyavailable.

Precursor salts or acids (for use in preparing the ionic salts) can beprepared by standard methods known in the art, and many are commerciallyavailable. Such methods include the anion precursor preparative methodsdescribed in the following references, the descriptions of which areincorporated herein by reference: imide precursors—U.S. Pat. No.5,874,616 (Howells et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,664 (Sakaguchi et al.),U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,040 (Armand), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,222 (Koshar);methide precursors—U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,664 (Lamanna et al.) and U.S.Pat. No. 5,273,840 (Dominey); sulfonate precursors—U.S. Pat. No.5,176,943 (Wou), U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,781 (Chen et al.), U.S. Pat. No.3,476,753 (Hanson), and U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,398 (Brice et al.);sulfonate, imide, and methide precursors having caternary oxygen ornitrogen in a fluorochemical group—U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,493 (Waddell etal.); disulfone precursors—R. J. Koshar and R. A. Mitsch, J. Org. Chem.,38, 3358 (1973) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,097 (Armand).

In general, cyano-containing methides and amides containingfluoroalkanesulfonyl groups can be prepared by the reaction offluoroalkanesulfonyl fluorides, R_(f)SO₂F, with anhydrous malononitrileor cyanamide, respectively, in the presence of a non-nucleophilic base.This synthetic procedure is described in Scheme 1 of U.S. Pat. No.5,874,616 (Howells et al.) for the preparation ofbis(fluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides (the description of which isincorporated herein by reference) and involves the substitution ofeither malononitrile or cyanamide for the fluoroalkanesulfonamide. Theresulting intermediate non-nucleophilic base cation-containing methideor amide salt can be converted to the desired cation salt (typicallylithium) via standard metathesis reactions well known in the art.

Representative examples of useful ionic salts includeoctyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CF₃], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃], trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(perfluorobutanesulfonyl)imide:[(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂], triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide: [Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂],tetraethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate: [CF₃SO₃ ⁻⁺NEt₄],tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻⁺NEt₄], tetramethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide: [(CH₃)₄N⁺⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃],tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(C₄H₉)₄N⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide: [C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridinium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1-hexadecylpyridinium perfluorooctanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇], n-butylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], n-butylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate: [CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂CF₃], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumhexafluorophosphate: [CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃PF₆ ⁻],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃BF₄ ⁻], 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonyl perfluorobutanesulfonylimide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cyanotrifluoromethanesulfonylamide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(cyano)trifluoromethanesulfonylmethide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-hydroxyethytrimethyltrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-methoxyethyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imideoctyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(cyano)trifluoromethanesulfonylmethide,trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide, 1-butylpyridiniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-ethoxyethyltrimethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium perfluorobutanesulfonate,perfluoro-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1-ethyl-2-methylpyrazoliumperfluorobutanesulfonate, 1-butyl-2-ethylpyrazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, N-ethylthiazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-ethyloxazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and 1-butylpyrimidiniumperfluorobutanesulfonylbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred ionic salts include octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium perfluorobutanesulfonate:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂C₄F₉], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CF₃],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃], trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(perfluorobutanesulfonyl)imide:[(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂], triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide: [Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂],tetraethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate: [CF₃SO₃ ⁻⁺NEt₄],tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻⁺NEt₄], tetramethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide: [(CH₃)₄N⁺⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃],tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(C₄H₉)₄N⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide: [C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridinium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1-hexadecylpyridinium perfluorooctanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇], n-butylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], n-butylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF3)₂], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate: [CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂CF₃], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumtetrafluorobroate, and mixtures thereof.

More preferred ionic salts include 2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumperfluorobutanesulfonate, octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide, tetraethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate,trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, and mixtures thereof.

Most preferred ionic salts include 2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, and mixtures thereof, with furtherpreferences being in accordance with the general cation and anionpreferences set forth above.

Insulating materials that are suitable for topical treatment includematerials that have relatively low surface and bulk conductivity andthat are prone to static charge buildup. Such materials include bothsynthetic and naturally-occurring polymers (or the reactive precursorsthereof, for example, mono- or multifunctional monomers or oligomers)that can be either organic or inorganic in nature, as well as ceramics,glasses, and ceramers (or the reactive precursors thereof).

Suitable synthetic polymers (which can be either thermoplastic orthermoset) include commodity plastics such as, for example, poly(vinylchloride), polyethylenes (high density, low density, very low density),polypropylene, and polystyrene; engineering plastics such as, forexample, polyesters (including, for example, poly(ethyleneterephthalate) and poly(butylene terephthalate)), polyamides (aliphatic,amorphous, aromatic), polycarbonates (for example, aromaticpolycarbonates such as those derived from bisphenol A),polyoxymethylenes, polyacrylates and polymethacrylates (for example,poly(methyl methacrylate)), some modified polystyrenes (for example,styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)copolymers), high-impact polystyrenes (SB), fluoroplastics, and blendssuch as poly(phenylene oxide)-polystyrene and polycarbonate-ABS;high-performance plastics such as, for example, liquid crystallinepolymers (LCPs), polyetherketone (PEEK), polysulfones, polyimides, andpolyetherimides; thermosets such as, for example, alkyd resins, phenolicresins, amino resins (for example, melamine and urea resins), epoxyresins, unsaturated polyesters (including so-called vinyl esters),polyurethanes, allyllics (for example, polymers derived fromallyldiglycolcarbonate), fluoroelastomers, and polyacrylates; and thelike and blends thereof. Suitable naturally occurring polymers includeproteinaceous materials such as silk, wool, and leather; and cellulosicmaterials such as cotton and wood.

Particularly useful insulating materials are thermoplastic polymers,including those described above, as such polymers can be used inpreparing the antistatic composition of the invention. Preferably, thethermoplastic polymers are melt processable at elevated temperatures,for example, above about 150° C. (more preferably, above about 250° C.;even more preferably, above about 280° C.; most preferably, above about320° C.). Preferred thermoplastic polymers include, for example,polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and one or morealpha-olefins (for example, poly(ethylene-butene) andpoly(ethylene-octene)), polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates,polyetherimides, polyimides, polyetherketones, polysulfones,polystyrenes, ABS copolymers, polyamides, fluoroelastomers, and blendsthereof. More preferred are polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters,polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and blends thereof, with polypropylene,polycarbonates, polyesters, and blends thereof being most preferred.

The antistatic composition of the invention can generally be prepared bycombining at least one ionic salt (alone or in combination with otheradditives) and at least one thermoplastic polymer and then meltprocessing the resulting combination. Alternative processes forpreparing an antistatic composition include, for example, (a) combiningat least one ionic salt (alone or in combination with other additives)and at least one thermosetting polymer or ceramer (or the reactiveprecursors thereof) and then allowing the resulting combination to cure,optionally with the application of heat or actinic radiation; (b)applying a treatment composition comprising at least one ionic salt toat least a portion of at least one surface of at least one insulatingmaterial; (c) dissolving at least one ionic salt and at least oneinsulating material in at least one solvent and then casting or coatingthe resulting solution and allowing evaporation of the solvent,optionally with the application of heat; and (d) combining at least oneionic salt (alone or in combination with other additives) and at leastone monomer and then allowing polymerization of the monomer to occur,optionally in the presence of at least one solvent and optionally withthe application of heat or actinic radiation.

To form a melt blend by melt processing, the ionic salt(s) can be, forexample, intimately mixed with pelletized or powdered polymer and thenmelt processed by known methods such as, for example, molding, meltblowing, melt spinning, or melt extrusion. The salt(s) can be mixeddirectly with the polymer or they can be mixed with the polymer in theform of a “master batch” (concentrate) of the salt(s) in the polymer. Ifdesired, an organic solution of the salt(s) can be mixed with powderedor pelletized polymer, followed by drying (to remove solvent) and thenby melt processing. Alternatively, molten salt(s) can be injected into amolten polymer stream to form a blend immediately prior to, for example,extrusion into fibers or films or molding into articles.

After melt processing, an annealing step can be carried out to enhancethe development of antistatic characteristics. In addition to, or inlieu of, such an annealing step, the melt processed combination (forexample, in the form of a film or a fiber) can also be embossed betweentwo heated rolls, one or both of which can be patterned. An annealingstep typically is conducted below the melt temperature of the polymer(for example, in the case of polyamide, at about 150-220° C. for aperiod of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes). In some cases, thepresence of moisture can improve the effectiveness of the ionic salt(s),although the presence of moisture is not necessary in order forantistatic characteristics to be obtained.

The ionic salt(s) can be added to thermoplastic polymer (or,alternatively, to other insulating material) in an amount sufficient toachieve the desired antistatic properties for a particular application.This amount can be determined empirically and can be adjusted asnecessary or desired to achieve the antistatic properties withoutcompromising the properties of the polymer (or other insulatingmaterial). Generally, the ionic salt(s) can be added in amounts rangingfrom about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight (preferably, from about 0.5to about 2 percent; more preferably, from about 0.75 to about 1.5percent) based on the weight of polymer (or other insulating material).

In topical treatment of an insulating material, the ionic salt(s) can beemployed alone or in the form of aqueous suspensions, emulsions, orsolutions, or as organic solvent solutions, in the topical treatment ofthe insulating material. Useful organic solvents include chlorinatedhydrocarbons, alcohols (for example, isopropyl alcohol), esters, ketones(for example, methyl isobutyl ketone), and mixtures thereof. Generally,the solvent solutions can contain from about 0.1 to about 50 percent, oreven up to about 90 percent, by weight non-volatile solids (based on thetotal weight of the components). Aqueous suspensions, emulsions, orsolutions are generally preferred and generally can contain anon-volatile solids content of about 0.1 to about 50 percent,preferably, about 1 to about 10 percent, by weight (based on the totalweight of the components). Preferably, however, topical treatment iscarried out by applying (to at least a portion of at least one surfaceof at least one insulating material) a topical treatment compositionthat consists essentially of at least one ionic salt that is liquid atthe use or treatment temperature. Such a topical treatment processinvolves the use of the neat liquid ionic salt, without added solvent,and is thus preferred from an environmental perspective over the use oforganic solvent solutions of ionic salt(s).

The liquid ionic salt(s) (or suspensions, emulsions, or solutions ofliquid or solid ionic salt(s)) can be applied to an insulating materialby standard methods such as, for example, spraying, padding, dipping,roll coating, brushing, or exhaustion (optionally followed by the dryingof the treated material to remove any remaining water or solvent). Thematerial can be in the form of molded or blown articles, sheets, fibers(as such or in aggregated form, for example, yarn, toe, web, or roving,or in the form of fabricated textiles such as carpets), woven andnonwoven fabrics, films, etc. If desired, the salt(s) can be co-appliedwith conventional fiber treating agents, for example, spin finishes orfiber lubricants.

The liquid ionic salts(s) (or suspensions, emulsions, or solutions ofliquid or solid ionic salt(s)) can be applied in an amount sufficient toachieve the desired antistatic properties for a particular application.This amount can be determined empirically and can be adjusted asnecessary or desired to achieve the antistatic properties withoutcompromising the properties of the insulating material.

Any of a wide variety of constructions can be made from the antistaticcomposition of the invention, and such constructions will find utilityin any application where some level of antistatic characteristic isrequired. For example, the antistatic composition of the invention canbe used to prepare films and molded or blown articles, as well as fibers(for example, melt-blown or melt-spun fibers, including microfibers)that can be used to make woven and nonwoven fabrics. Such films, moldedor blown articles, fibers, and fabrics exhibit antistaticcharacteristics under a variety of environmental conditions and can beused in a variety of applications.

For example, molded articles comprising the antistatic composition ofthe invention can be prepared by standard methods (for example, by hightemperature injection molding) and are particularly useful as, forexample, headlamp covers for automobiles, lenses (including eyeglasslenses), casings or circuit boards for electronic devices (for example,computers), screens for display devices, windows (for example, aircraftwindows), and the like. Films comprising the antistatic composition ofthe invention can be made by any of the film making methods commonlyemployed in the art. Such films can be nonporous or porous (the latterincluding films that are mechanically perforated), with the presence anddegree of porosity being selected according to the desired performancecharacteristics. The films can be used as, for example, photographicfilms, transparency films for use with overhead projectors, tapebackings, substrates for coating, and the like.

Fibers comprising the composition of the invention can be used to makewoven or nonwoven fabrics that can be used, for example, in makingmedical fabrics, medical and industrial apparel, fabrics for use inmaking clothing, home furnishings such as rugs or carpets, and filtermedia such as chemical process filters or respirators. Nonwoven webs orfabrics can be prepared by processes used in the manufacture of eithermelt-blown or spunbonded webs. For example, a process similar to thatdescribed by Wente in “Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers,” Indus. Eng'gChem. 48, 1342 (1956) or by Wente et al. in “Manufacture of SuperfineOrganic Fibers,” Naval Research Laboratories Report No. 4364 (1954) canbe used. Multi-layer constructions made from nonwoven fabrics enjoy wideindustrial and commercial utility, for example, as medical fabrics. Themakeup of the constituent layers of such multi-layer constructions canbe varied according to the desired end-use characteristics, and theconstructions can comprise two or more layers of melt-blown andspunbonded webs in many useful combinations such as those described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,145,727 (Potts et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,576(Potts et al.), the descriptions of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The ionic salts used in the antistatic composition of the invention canalso find utility as additives to coatings (for example, polymer orceramer coatings). Such coatings can be both antistatic andscratch-resistant and can be used in the photographic industry or asprotective coatings for optical or magnetic recording media.

If desired, the antistatic composition of the invention can furthercontain one or more conventional additives commonly used in the art, forexample, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, ultraviolet stabilizers, flameretardants, surfactants, plasticizers (for example, polymers such aspolybutylene), tackifiers, fillers, and mixtures thereof.

Objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by thefollowing examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereofrecited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details,should not be construed to unduly limit this invention.

GLOSSARY

HTS 905A—Larostat™ HTS 905A, C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CH₃, availablefrom BASF, Gurnee, Ill.

HQ-115—LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ available from 3M, St. Paul, Minn.

PBSF—Perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride, available from Sigma-Aldrich,Milwaukee, Wis.

Lithium triflate—Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, available fromSigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.

FC-24—Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, available from 3M, St. Paul, Minn.

FC-754—Trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammonium chloride,available from 3M, St. Paul, Minn.

Aliquat™ 336—Methyltrioctylammonium chloride, available fromSigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis., or from Henkel Corp., Ambler, Pa.

FC-94—Lithium perfluorooctanesulfonate, available from 3M, St. Paul,Minn.

Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate—1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride,available from Research Organics, Cleveland, Ohio.

1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium chloride—Available from Sigma-Aldrich,Milwaukee, Wis.

Silver triflate—Silver trifluoromethanesulfonate, available fromSigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.

AgBF₄—Silver tetrafluoroborate, available from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee,Wis.

NH₄PF₆—Ammonium hexafluorophosphate, available from Sigma-Aldrich,Milwaukee, Wis.

Acetylcholine chloride—CH₃CO₂CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃Cl, available from ResearchOrganics, Cleveland, Ohio.

Choline chloride—HOCH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃Cl, available from Sigma-Aldrich,Milwaukee, Wis.

PP3505—ESCORENE™ PP3505 polypropylene, having a 400 melt index flowrate, available from Exxon Chemical Co., Baytown, Tex.

PE6806—ASPUN™ 6806 polyethylene, having a melt flow index of 105 g/10min (as measured by Test Method ASTM D-1238) and having a peak meltingpoint of 124.8° C., available from Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.

PS440-200—MORTHANE™ PS440-200 urethane, available from Morton ThiokolCorp., Chicago, Ill.

PET 65-1000—polyethylene terephthalate available from the 3M Company,Decatur, Ala.

LQ-3147—Makrolon® LQ-3147 polycarbonate available from Bayer Corp.,Pittsburg, Pa.

Mellinex 617—Melamine primed polyethylene terephthalate film (0.177 mmthick), available from DuPont, Hopewell, Va.

TEST METHODS

Test Method I—Melting Point Determination

The melting points of salts were determined by differential scanningcalorimetry (DSC) using a 20° C. per minute temperature ramp. The peakmaximum of the melt transition was taken as the melting point (Tm).Where multiple melt transitions were observed, the peak associated withlargest area melt transition was taken as the melting point.

Test Method II—Onset of Thermal Decomposition Determination

The onset of thermal decomposition of each salt was determined bythermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) under an inert nitrogen atmosphereusing a 10° C. per minute temperature ramp. The value of the onsettemperature was determined by finding the intersection of theextrapolated tangent at the baseline preceding onset and theextrapolated tangent at the inflection point associated with the stepchange in sample weight.

Test Method III—Static Charge Dissipation Test

The static charge dissipation characteristics of nonwoven fabrics,films, and molded sheets were determined with this method. The testmaterials were cut into 9 cm by 12 cm samples and conditioned atrelative humidities (RH) of about 10 percent, 25 percent, and 50 percentfor at least 12 hours. The materials were tested at temperatures thatranged from 22-25° C. The static charge dissipation time was measuredaccording to Federal Test Method Standard 10113, Method 4046,“Antistatic Properties of Materials”, using an ETS Model 406C StaticDecay Test Unit (manufactured by Electro-Tech Systems, Inc., Glenside,Pa.). This apparatus induces an initial static charge (Average InducedElectrostatic Charge) on the surface of the flat test material by usinghigh voltage (5000 volts), and a fieldmeter allows observation of thedecay time of the surface voltage from 5000 volts (or whatever theinduced electrostatic charge was) to 10 percent of the initial inducedcharge. This is the static charge dissipation time. The lower the staticcharge dissipation time, the better the antistatic properties are of thetest material. All reported values of the static charge dissipationtimes in this invention are averages (Average Static Decay Rate) over atleast 3 separate determinations. Values reported as >60 sec indicatethat the material tested has an initial static charge which cannot beremoved by surface conduction and is not antistatic.

Test Method IV—Surface Resistivity Test

This test was conducted according to the procedure of ASTM StandardD-257, “D.C. Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials”. Thesurface resistivity was measured under the conditions of this testmethod using an ETS Model 872 Wide Range Resistance Meter fitted with aModel 803B probe (Electro-Tech Systems, Inc., Glenside, Pa.). Thisapparatus applies an external voltage of 100 volts across two concentricring electrodes contacting the flat test material, and provides surfaceresistivity readings in ohm/square units.

In the following where weight percent or parts by weight are indicated,these are basis on the weight of the entire composition unless indicatedotherwise.

PREPARATION OF COMPOUNDS Compound 1 Synthesis of Triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide, Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂

The title compound was prepared according to the method described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,874,616, Example 3, except that the procedure wasterminated once the methylene chloride solvent was evaporated. Theproduct was characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to TestMethod I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according toTest Method II. Results are shown in Table 2.

Compound 2 Synthesis of Tetraethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,CF₃SO₃ ⁻⁺NEt₄

In a 2 L flask, 300 g of CF₃SO₃H (FC-24) was charged. The acid wasneutralized by slow addition of about 800 g Et₄NOH aqueous solution(35%) until the pH reached about 6. A white solid (560 g) was obtainedafter drying by rotary evaporation, then under high vacuum. The solidwas re-crystallized from chloroform-heptane to give 520 g pure product.The product was also characterized for melting point (T_(m)) accordingto Test Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d))according to Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 2.

Compound 3 Synthesis of Tetraethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻⁺NEt₄ in Water-CH₂Cl₂Mixed Solvent

In a 1 L flask, 50 g of (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻Li⁺ (HQ-115) was dissolved in 50 g ofdeionized water. The solution was combined with 89 g of 35% Et₄NOHaqueous solution under N₂. Solid precipitated during the addition, whichwas dissolved by the addition of 50 g CH₂Cl₂. The bottom organic layerwas isolated. The aqueous solution was extracted with another 50 g ofCH₂Cl₂. The combined organic solution was washed with water (2×25 mL),and volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation. Re-crystallization ofthe crude product from CH₃OH—H₂O gave 70 g of white solid after fullvacuum drying. The product was characterized for melting point (T_(m))according to Test Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition(T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 2.

Compound 4 Synthesis of Tetramethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide, (CH₃)₄N⁺⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃

The title compound was prepared according to the method of U.S. Pat. No.5,554,664, Example 18, except that the procedure was terminated afterline 55. The product was characterized for melting point (T_(m))according to Test Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition(T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 2.

Compound 5 Synthesis of Tetrabutylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, (C₄H₉)₄N⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

The title compound was prepared by reacting (C₄H₉)₄N⁺Br⁻ (Sigma-Aldrich,Milwaukee, Wis.) with approximately a 10% molar excess of Li⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂(HQ-115) according to the procedure described in Example 18. The productwas characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method Iand for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test MethodII. Results are shown in Table 2.

Compound 6 Synthesis of 1-HexadecylpyridiniumBis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide, n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂

The title compound was prepared according to the method of Example 14,except that 85.1 g of Li⁺⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ (HQ-115) was employed as the anionprecursor. The product was characterized for melting point (T_(m))according to Test Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition(T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 3.

Compound 7 Synthesis of 1-Hexadecylpyridinium Perfluorobutanesulfonate,n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉

Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate (75 g) was dissolved in 800 mlwater with gentle heating and magnetic stirring. To this solution wasadded 67.3 g of Li⁺⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ (prepared by hydrolysis of C₄F₉SO₂F [PBSF]with LiOH) dissolved in 600 mL of water with stirring. Productprecipitated immediately and was isolated by suction filtration. Theproduct was washed with copious amounts of water and then driedinitially by suction and then in vacuo at 10⁻² Torr, 40° C. The productwas characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method Iand for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test MethodII. Results are shown in Table 3.

Compound 8 Synthesis of 1-Hexadecylpyridinium Perfluorooctanesulfonate,n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇

The title compound was prepared according to the method of Example 14,except that 111.3 g of Li⁺⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇ (FC-94) was employed as the anionprecursor. The product was characterized for melting point (T_(m))according to Test Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition(T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 3.

Compound 9 Synthesis of n-ButylpyridiniumBis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

A solution of 50 g Li⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (HQ-115) (287 g/mol, 0.174 mol) and100 ml DI water was prepared. Another solution of 30 g butylpyridiniumchloride (171.6 g/mol, 0.174) and 100 ml DI water was prepared. The twosolutions were added to a separatory funnel along with 200 ml methylenechloride. The mixture was thoroughly shaken, and the phases were allowedto separate. The organic phase was isolated and washed with 3×200 ml DIwater. The organic layer was then concentrated by reduced pressuredistillation on a rotary evaporator. The resulting yellow oil was vacuumdried at 120 C. overnight to afford 70 g product (97% yield). Theproduct was characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to TestMethod I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according toTest Method II. Results are shown in Table 3.

Compound 10 Synthesis of n-Butylpyridinium Perfluorobutanesulfonate,n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉

A solution of 20 g butylpyridinium chloride (171.6 g/mol, 0.116 mol) wasmade with 100 ml DI water. A similar solution was prepared using 35.7 gLi⁺⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ (prepared by hydrolysis of C₄F₉SO₂F [PBSF] with LiOH) (306g/mol, 0.116 mol) and 100 ml water. The two solutions were added to aseparatory funnel along with 200 ml methylene chloride. The mixture wasthoroughly shaken, and the phases were allowed to separate. The organicphase was isolated and washed with 200 ml DI water. The mixture was slowto separate, consequently further washings were not done. The organiclayer was concentrated by reduced pressure distillation on a rotaryevaporator. It was then dried under vacuum at 130 C. overnight. Theisolated yellow oil weighed 44 g (87% yield). The product wascharacterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method I andfor onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II.Results are shown in Table 3.

Compound 11 Synthesis of 1,3-EthylmethylimidazoliumBis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium chloride (50.0 g) and LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ (HQ-115)(102.8 g) were combined in 500 mL of water with magnetic stirring. Anonmiscible light yellow oil of low viscosity separated as a lowerliquid phase. The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnelcombined with 500 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and the workup conducted essentially asdescribed in Example 1. After vacuum stripping all volatiles, a total of112.2 g (84% yield) of light yellow oil of high purity was obtained,which was identified as the title compound by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. Theproduct was also characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according toTest Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) accordingto Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 4.

Compound 12 Synthesis of 1,3-EthylmethylimidazoliumNonafluorobutanesulfonate, CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉

1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium chloride (49.1 g) and LiOSO₂C₄F₉ (107.6 g,prepared by hydrolysis of C₄F₉SO₂F with LiOH) were combined in 500 mL ofwater with magnetic stirring. A homogeneous aqueous solution was formed,which was transferred to a separatory funnel, combined with 500 mL ofCH₂Cl₂ and worked up according to the procedure in Example 1. Aftervacuum stripping all volatiles, a total of 65.0 g (47% yield) of lightyellow oil of high purity was obtained, which was identified as thetitle compound by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. The product was also characterized formelting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset ofthermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results areshown in Table 4.

Compound 13 Synthesis of 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂CF₃

1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium chloride (29 g, 0.199 mole) was dissolved in100 ml of water and added to solution of 50 g silver triflate (0.195mol) in 200 g water with stirring. The silver chloride precipitate wasremoved by filtration, and the solids were washed with 100 ml ofdeionized water. The filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporatorand further dried at 75° C. overnight to provide 47.5 g of a light greenoil that was characterized by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. The product was alsocharacterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method I andfor onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II.Results are shown in Table 4.

Compound 14 Synthesis of 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate,CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃BF₄ ⁻

Separate solutions of 49.6 g AgBF4 (194.68 g/mol, 0.255 mol) in 200 mldistilled water, and 37.35 g 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium chloride (146.62g/mol, 0.255 mol) in 200 ml distilled water were prepared. The twosolutions were mixed together, instantly forming a white precipitate.The solution was allowed to settle, followed by filtration through aD-frit. The filtrate was concentrated, but not to dryness and allowed tostand at room temperature overnight. The next morning a blackprecipitate was observed to have fallen out of solution. The solutionwas passed through filter paper to removed the small amount of solid.The remaining water was removed by reduced pressure distillation on arotary evaporator. The remaining oil was dissolved in 200 mlacetonitrile. More insoluble black precipitate was formed and wasfiltered out of the solution. The yellow filtrate was concentrated onthe rotary evaporator, and the resulting oil was dried overnight undervacuum at 75 C. The isolated weight of product was 40 g (79% yield). Theproduct was also characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according toTest Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) accordingto Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 4.

Compound 15 Synthesis of 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate,CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃PF₆ ⁻

A solution of 500 ml acetonitrile and 73.1 g 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazoliumchloride (146.6 g/mol, 0.498 mol) was prepared in a 1 L flask. Anothersolution of 250 ml acetonitrile and 81.1 g NH₄PF₆ (163 g/mol, 0.498 mol)was similarly prepared and added to the former solution. A whiteprecipitate instantly formed on mixing of the two solutions. The flaskwas chilled to near 0° C. for 1 hour followed by filtration through highpurity Celite using a D-frit. The solvent was removed by reducedpressure distillation on a rotary evaporator. The ionic salt was driedunder vacuum at 75 C. overnight. The isolated weight of product was 114g (89% yield). The product was also characterized for melting point(T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 4.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, C₉H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

A 19.2 g sample of C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CH₃ (HTS 905A) was combinedwith 15.7 g LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ (HQ-115) in 120 mL of water. After agitatingthe mixture, a clear, nonmiscible oil separated as a lower liquid phase.The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel and 125 mL ofmethylene chloride was added. The mixture was shaken vigorously andallowed to phase separate. The lower organic phase was isolated andwashed with two additional 125 mL portions of water. The washedmethylene chloride phase was isolated, dried over anhydrous aluminumoxide beads, filtered by suction and vacuum stripped at 30-100° C.,20-10⁻³ Torr to remove all volatiles. A colorless oil (22.6 g, 85%yield) of high purity was obtained, which was identified as the titlecompound by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR. The product was also characterized formelting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset ofthermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results areshown in Table 1.

Example 2 Synthesis of Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumperfluorobutanesulfonate, C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂C₄F₉

A 118.5 g (0.399 mol) sample of C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CH₃ (HTS 905A)was dissolved in about 250 ml of water and 123.9 g (0.399 mol) ofLiOSO₂C₄F₉ (prepared by hydrolysis of C₄F₉SO₂F [PBSF] with LiOH) wasdissolved in about 100 ml of water. The two solutions were added to aseparatory funnel and the mixture was shaken vigorously. Next 200 ml ofmethylene chloride was added to the funnel and the contents were shakenand allowed to phase separate. The lower methylene chloride layer waswashed twice with about 200 ml of water and concentrated on a rotaryevaporator at about 85° C. for about 45 min to yield an off-white solid,which was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonancespectroscopy (NMR). The product was also characterized for melting point(T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 1.

Example 3 Synthesis of Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CF₃

Into 30 g of acetonitrile in a 125 ml Erlenmeyer flask was dissolvedwith heating 29.7 g (0.1 mole) HTS-905A (C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻O₃SCH₃)and then cooled in an ice bath for 10 minutes. In another 125 mlErlenmeyer flask was dissolved with heating 15.6 g (0.1 mole) lithiumtriflate into 30 ml of acetonitrile. Next the lithium triflate solutionwas added over about 1 min to the stirred, cooled HTS-905A solution withgeneration of a white precipitate. About 2 ml of acetonitrile was usedto rinse the Erlenmeyer flask that held the lithium triflate solution,and this was also added to the HTS-905A solution. The reaction mixturewas allowed to stir for about 10 minutes and was then vacuum filteredthrough a pad of Celite on a 125 ml Buchner funnel with a C porosityfrit. The reaction flask and Celite pad were washed with an additional30 g of ice-cold acetonitrile. The filtrate was concentrated on a rotaryevaporator at about 50 mm Hg with a bath temperature of about 85° C. forabout 45 min to yield 24.5 g of a clear solid, which was characterize by¹H and ¹³C NMR. The product was also characterized for melting point(T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 1.

Example 4 Synthesis of Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide, C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃

A 20.0 g sample of C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CH₃ (HTS 905) was combinedwith 29.6 g HC(SO₂CF₃)₃ (prepared as described in Example 1 of U.S. Pat.No. 5,554,664) in 250 mL of water. After agitating the mixture, a clear,viscous, pale yellow, nonmiscible oil separated as a lower liquid phase.The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel, combined with 300 mLof methylene chloride, and worked up according to the procedure inExample 1. After vacuum stripping all volatiles, a total of 29.0 g (79%yield) of pale yellow oil was obtained, which was identified as thetitle compound by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. Estimated purity from the NMR analysiswas greater than 90 weight %, the major impurity being the corresponding⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₂(SO₂F) salt. The product was also characterized for meltingpoint (T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 1.

Example 5 Synthesis of Trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

Acetylcholine chloride (98 g, Research Organics, Cleveland, Ohio) andLiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ (HQ-115) (165.8 g) were combined in 600 mL of water withmagnetic stirring. A viscous, nonmiscible oil separated as a lowerliquid phase. The reaction mixture was worked up essentially asdescribed in Example 1, except that the ionic liquid product was notcompletely miscible with methylene chloride, forming 3 separate liquidphases in the presence of water. The lower ionic liquid phase and themiddle CH₂Cl₂ phase were both carried through the workup. After vacuumstripping all volatiles, a total of 179.1 g (77% yield) of colorless oilof high purity was obtained, which was identified as the title compoundby ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR. The product was also characterized for meltingpoint (T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 1.

Example 6 Synthesis of Trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(perfluorobutanesulfonyl)imide, (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂

Choline chloride (37.34 g, Aldrich) and LiN(SO₂C₄F₉)₂ (142.7 g, preparedaccording to Example 4 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,616) were combined in 400mL of water with magnetic stirring. A viscous, nonmiscible oil separatedas a lower liquid phase. The mixture was transferred to a separatoryfunnel and 110 mL of diethyl ether were added. The mixture was shakenvigorously and allowed to phase separate. The lower organic phase wasisolated and washed with two additional 400 mL portions of water. Thewashed ether phase was isolated and vacuum stripped at 30-100° C.,20-10⁻³ Torr to remove all volatiles. A colorless oil (155.3 g, 93%yield) of high purity was obtained, which was identified as the titlecompound by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR. The product was also characterized formelting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset ofthermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results areshown in Table 1.

Comparative Example C1

Larostat™ HTS 905A, octyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium methanesulfonate(C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH⁻OSO₂CH₃) was also characterized for melting point(T_(m)) according to Test Method I and for onset of thermaldecomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results are shown inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Melting Point (T_(m)) and Onset of Thermal Decomposition (T_(d))Values Found for Compounds Synthesized in Examples 1-6. Ex- T_(m) T_(d)ample Compound (° C.) (° C.) 1 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ None409 detected 2 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ 147 374 3C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH ⁻OSO₂CF₃ −26 370 4 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃ None 387 detected 5 (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3 ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ 24361 6 (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH ⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂ 32 402 Cl C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH⁻OSO₂CH₃ About 30 289

The results in Table 1 show that among antistat having the same cation,those containing weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anions (Examples 1-4)exhibit greatly increased thermal stability over that of ComparativeExample C1 having a more strongly coordinating anion. All examples ofthe invention show good thermal stability.

Example 7 Synthesis ofTrimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, C₈F₁₇SO₂NH (CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂

In a 4.0 L separatory funnel was combined 800 mL water, 400 g of 50%FC-754 (C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃ Cl⁻), 90.4 g Li⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (HQ-115)and 700 mL methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE). The mixture was agitated and theupper and lower liquid phases allowed to separate overnight. The twoliquid phases were isolated and the water phase was extracted with afresh 500 mL portion of MTBE. The ether phases were combined andextracted with a fresh 700 mL portion of water. The isolated ether phasewas dried over molecular sieves, filtered through paper, and the solventwas evaporated to dryness in a vacuum oven at 95° C. and 300-400 Torrproviding 267.3 g of the title compound (96% Yield). The solid productwas characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according to Test Method Iand for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test MethodII. Results are shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example C2

Aliquat™ 336, methyltrioctylammonium chloride ((C₈H₁₇)₃N⁺(CH₃)Cl⁻) wasliquid at room temperature and was also characterized for onset ofthermal decomposition (T_(d)) according to Test Method II. Results areshown in Table 2. Because of its low thermal decomposition temperature,this compound could not be incorporated into melt-blown fibers.

TABLE 2 Melting Point (T_(m)) and Onset of Thermal Decomposition (T_(d))Values Found for Comparative Example C2 and Compounds 1-6. Example orCom- T_(m) T_(d) pound No. Compound (° C.) (° C.) Compound 1 Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ −10 351 Compound 2 CF₃SO₃ ⁻ ⁺NEt₄ 133 371 Compound 3(CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻ ⁺NEt₄ 8 426 Compound 4 (CH₃)₄N⁺ ⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃ 148 422 Compound5 (C₄H₉)₄N⁺ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ 93 401 7 C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂121 365 C2 (C₈H₁₇)₃N⁺(CH₃) Cl⁻ <28 177

The data in Table 2 shows that Example 7 and the compounds useful in theinvention having the weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anions show muchgreater thermal stability than Comparative Example C2 having the morestrongly coordinating chloride anion.

Comparative Example C3 Synthesis of 1-Hexadecylpyridiniump-Toluenesulfonate, n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₆H₄-p-CH₃

The title compound was prepared according to the method of Example 14,except that 100 g of cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate was reactedwith 55 g Na⁺⁻OSO₂C₆H₄-p-CH₃ (Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.). Theproduct was also characterized for melting point (T_(m)) according toTest Method I and for onset of thermal decomposition (T_(d)) accordingto Test Method II. Results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Melting Point (T_(m)) and Onset of Thermal Decomposition (T_(d))Values Found for Comparative Example C2 and Compounds 7-11. Example orCom- T_(m) T_(d) pound No. Compound (° C.) (° C.) Compound 6n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ 34 396 Compound 7 n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ 95 357 Compound 8 n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇ 93 364Compound 9 n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ 33 430 Compoundn-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ 63 391 10 C3 n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₆H₄-p-CH₃ 138  310

Table 3 shows that the pyridinium compounds useful in the inventionhaving the weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anions have greater thermalstability than Comparative Example C3 having the more stronglycoordinating anion.

TABLE 4 Melting point (T_(m)) and Onset of Thermal Decomposition (T_(d))Values Found for Compounds 11-15. Com- pound T_(m) T_(d) No. Compound (°C.) (° C.) 11 CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ −18 450 12CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ 18 410 13 CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃⁻OSO₂CF₃ −16 429 14 CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ BF₄ ⁻ 7 420 15CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ PF₆ ⁻ 70 490

The data of Table 4 show that the imidazolium compounds useful in theinvention having the weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anions all haveexcellent thermal stability, with T_(d) all greater than 400° C.

Examples 23-46 and Comparative Examples C4-C7

The compounds of Examples 1-7, Compounds 1-15, and Comparative ExamplesC1-C3 were incorporated into polypropylene melt blown fibers, which wereprocessed into nonwoven fabrics according to the melt-blown extrusionprocedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,357, column 10, which isherein incorporated by reference. For comparison, polypropylene meltblown fibers without these compounds were processed into nonwovenfabrics as well. The extruder used was a Brabender 42 mm conical twinscrew extruder, with maximum extrusion temperature of 270-280° C. anddistance to the collector of 12 inches (30 cm).

The compound and Escorene™ PP3505 polypropylene were mixed by blendingin a paperboard container using a mixer head affixed to a hand drill forabout one minute until a visually homogeneous mixture is obtained. Thecompound was dispersed in the molten polypropylene by mixing in the meltextrusion apparatus just prior to melt blowing. Except as noted, theweight percent of the compound in the polypropylene was about 1%.

The process condition for each mixture was the same, including the meltblowing die construction used to blow the microfiber web, the basisweight of the web (50±5 g/m²) and the diameter of the microfibers (5-18micrometers). Unless otherwise stated, the extrusion temperature was270-280° C., the primary air temperature was 270° C., the pressure was124 kPa (18 psi), with a 0.076 cm air gap width, and the polymerthroughput rate was about 180 g/hr/cm.

The resulting melt blown polypropylene fabric made with and without thecompounds of Examples 1-7, compounds 1-15, and Comparative ExamplesC1-C3 were evaluated for antistatic performance using Test MethodIII—Static Charge Dissipation Test. The results are shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Static Charge Dissipation of Escorene™ PP3505 PolypropyleneWith and Without Ionic Antistat Compounds at 10, 25, and 50 PercentRelative Humidity (RH).

Aver. Induced Electrostatic Charge Aver. Static Decay Example (VoltsRate (sec) No. Antistat Compound 10% RH 25% RH 50% RH 10% RH 25% RH 50%RH C4 None 4270  5000+  5000+ 60+ 60 60 1750 1750 >10 >10  5000+5000 >10 >10 C5 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH⁻  5000+ 3393  5000+ 0.86 0.14 0.03OSO₂CH₃ 23 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH  5000+  5000+  5000+ 0.14 0.19 0.63^(—)N(SO₂CF₃)₂ 24 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH Not 5000 5000 Not >10 0.95^(—)N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (0.5% by run run wt.) 25 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH⁻ 5000 50005000 0.90 0.02 0.02 OSO₂C₄F₉ 26 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH^(—) 5000 5000 50004.17 0.09 0.03 OSO₂CF₃ 27 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH Not Not 5000 Not Not >10⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃ run run run run 28 CH₃COOCH₂CH₂N⁺(CH₃)₃ ⁻ Not  5000+  5000+Not >60 >60 N(SO₂CF₃)₂ run run 29 HOCH₂CH₂N⁺(CH₃)₃ ⁻ Not 4850  5000+ Not56 >60 N(O₂SC₄F₉)₂ run run C6 (C₈H₁₇)₃N⁺(CH₃) Cl⁻ NR* NR* NR* NR* NR*NR* 30 Et₃NH+ —N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ 5000 5000 5000 0.03 0.03 0.02 31 CF₃SO₃ ⁻⁺NEt₄ Not Not 5000 Not Not >10 run run run run 32 CF₃SO₃ ⁻ ⁺NEt₄ (2% by5000 5000 5000 0.13 0.38 0.51 wt.) 33 (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻ ⁺NEt₄ Not Not 5000 NotNot >10 run run run run 34 (CH₃)₄N⁺ ⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃ Not 4400 3350 Not 60 60run run 35 Bu₄N⁺ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ Not 3700 3600 Not 60 60 run run 36C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃ Not 2200 1600 Not 0.01 0.01 ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ C7n-C₁₆H₃₃N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻ Not 4900 4900 Not 52 52 OSO₂C₆H₄-p-CH₃ run run 37n-C₁₆H₃₃N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻ 4800 4700  5000+ 34 8.9 45 N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ 38n-C₁₆H₃₃N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻ Not  5000+  5000+ Not 56 1.01 OSO₂C₄F₉ run run 39n-C₁₆H₃₃N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻ Not 3600  5000+ Not >60 3.98 OSO₂C₈F₁₇ run run 40n-C₄H₉N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻ Not  5000+ 4300 Not 49 0.06 N(O₂SCF₃)₂ run run 41n-C₄H₉N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻O₃SC₄F₉ Not  5000+  5000+ Not >60 0.46 run run 42 CH₃-cyc-4125 3900 3350 60+ 0.01 53 (N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ 43 CH₃-cyc- 5000+  5000+  5000+ 0.02 20 0.03 (N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉ 44CH₃-cyc- Not 2500 2500 Not >10 0.01 (N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ run run ⁻OSO₂CF₃45 CH₃-cyc- 4500 4950 4250 >60 >60 >60 (N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ BF₄ ⁻ 46CH₃-cyc- Not 3800 4450 Not >60 >60 (N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ PF₆ ⁻ run run*Could not be incorporated into fabric, because of thermal instability.

The data in Table 5 show several examples that show exceptional staticcharge dissipation performance, that is, fabrics that accepted the full5000 Volt charge, and which had dissipation times under 1 second even atrelative humidities of 25 percent or even 10 percent. These includeExamples 23, 25, 26, 30, 32, 36, 42, and 43. All of these examples weremade using antistat compounds that had thermal decompositiontemperatures of 370° C. or higher. Comparative Example C5 showedexceptional static charge dissipation performance, but has a thermaldecompositon temperature of 289° C. Comparative Example C6 with athermal decomposition temperature of 177° C. was insufficiently stablefor the melt-blown extrusion process. Examples 23 and 24 as well as 31and 32 show the effect of antistat compound concentration upon staticcharge dissipation performance, with higher concentrations (Examples 23and 32) showing superior performance over the lower concentrations(Examples 24 and 31). Many of the examples in Table 5 that did not showgood static charge dissipation performance at the 25 percent and 10percent relative humidity levels, did show static dissipation times ofless than 5 seconds at 50 percent relative humidity (Examples 38-41, and44). Examples in Table 5 that did not show good static chargedissipation performance at any relative humidity at the 1% concentrationmay demonstrate such performance at higher levels, and/or in otherpolymers, and/or upon annealing.

Example 47 and Comparative Example C8

The compound of Example 1 was incorporated into polyethyleneterephthalate 65-1000 melt blown fibers, which were processed into anonwoven fabric according to the melt-blown extrusion proceduredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,357, column 10, which is hereinincorporated by reference. For comparison, polyethylene terephthalate65-1000 melt blown fibers without the compound were processed into anonwoven fabric as well. The extruder used was a Brabender 42 mm conicaltwin screw extruder, with maximum extrusion temperature of 280° C. anddistance to the collector of 12 inches (30 cm).

The compound and polyethylene terephthalate 65-1000 were mixed byblending in a paperboard container using a mixer head affixed to a handdrill for about one minute until a visually homogeneous mixture isobtained. The compound was dispersed in the molten polyethyleneterephthalate by mixing in the melt extrusion apparatus just prior tomelt blowing. The weight percent of the compound in the urethane was 2%.

The process condition for each mixture was the same, including the meltblowing die construction used to blow the microfiber web, the basisweight of the web (50±5 gm²) and the diameter of the microfibers (5-18micrometers). The extrusion temperature was 280° C., the primary airtemperature was 270° C., the pressure was 124 kPa (18 psi), with a 0.076cm air gap width, and the polymer throughput rate was about 180 g/hr/cm.

The resulting melt blown polyethylene terephthalate 65-1000 fabric madewith and without the compound of Example 23 was evaluated for antistaticperformance using Test Method III—Static Charge Dissipation Test. Theresults are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Static Charge Dissipation in Melt Blown PolyethyleneTerephthalate 65-1000 Fabric With and WithoutOctyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide.Aver. Induced Electrostatic Charge Aver. Static Decay Example (VoltsRate (sec) No. Antistat Compound 10% RH 25% RH 50% RH 10% RH 25% RH 50%RH C8 None Not 3000 3100 Not >60 >60 run run 47 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH Not5000 5000 Not 0.86 3.6 ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (2%) run run

The data in Table 6 shows good static charge dissipation of Example 47compared with the control polyester fabric (Comparative Example C8).

Example 48 and Comparative Example C9

The compound of Example 1 was incorporated into MORTHANE™ PS440-200urethane melt blown fibers, which were processed into a nonwoven fabricas described in Example 47, except that the extrusion temperature was230° C. For comparison, MORTHANE™ PS440-200 urethane melt blown fiberswithout the compound were processed into a nonwoven fabric as well. Thefabrics were tested for antistatic performance using Test MethodIII—Static Charge Dissipation Test. The results are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Static Charge Dissipation in Melt Blown MORTHANE ® PS440-200Urethane Fabric With and Without Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Aver. Induced Electrostatic ChargeAver. Static Decay Example (Volts Rate (sec) No. Antistat Compound 10%RH 25% RH 50% RH 10% RH 25% RH 50% RH C9 None Not  5000+  5000+Not >10 >10 run run 48 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH Not 5000 5000 Not 0.03 0.06⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (2%) run run

The data in Table 7 shows good static charge dissipation of Example 48compared with the control polyurethane fabric (Comparative Example C9).

Example 49 and Comparative Example C10

The compound of Example 1 was incorporated into ASPUN™ 6806 polyethylenemelt blown fibers, which were processed into a nonwoven fabric asdescribed in Example 47, except that 1 weight percent of the compound ofExample 1 was used, and the extrusion temperature was 240° C. Forcomparison, ASPUN¹⁹⁸ 6806 polyethylene melt blown fibers without thecompound were processed into a nonwoven fabric as well. The fabrics weretested for antistatic performance using Test Method III—Static ChargeDissipation Test. The results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Static Charge Dissipation in ASPUN ® 6806 Polyethylene MeltBlown Fabric With and Without Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Aver. Induced Electrostatic ChargeAver. Static Decay Example (Volts Rate (sec) No. Antistat Compound 10%RH 25% RH 50% RH 10% RH 25% RH 50% RH C10 None Not 2800 3400 Not >60 >60run run 49 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH Not 5000 5000 0.26 0.02 0.02 ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂(1%) run

The data in Table 8 shows good static charge dissipation of Example 49compared with the control polyethylene fabric (Comparative Example C10).

Example 50 and Comparative Example C11

This example illustrates the use of an ionic liquid antistatic compoundin injection molded polycarbonate. Mobay Makrolon™ LQ-3147 polycarbonatepellets were melt-injection molded using a Morgan-Press™ vertical clampram injection-molding machine made by Morgan industries Inc. (LongBeach, Calif.). The molding machine was operated at barrel and nozzletemperatures of 288° C. Molten polycarbonate (with and without ionicliquid antistatic compound) was injected under pressure into a preheatedaluminum mold designed to produce a flat 7.62 cm by 7.62 cm squaremolded part with a thickness of 0.254 cm. Two series of polycarbonateparts were produced, each series comprising three parts made underidentical conditions. The first series of parts were made using virginpolycarbonate resin with no additives. The second series was made bypremixing the polycarbonate pellets with 1.0 weight %1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium nonafluorobutanesulfonate (Compound 12) ionicliquid antistat prior to feeding the pellets to the barrel of the raminjection-molding machine. All of the molded parts from each series weresubjected to surface resistivity measurements on front and back surfacesat 22° C., 32% relative humidity using an ETS wide range resistancemeter in Test Method IV—Surface Resistivity Test. The mean values of thesurface resistivities for each series of parts are summarized in Table9.

TABLE 9 Surface Resistivities of Molded Polycarbonate Sheets Without andWith 1,3-Ethylmethylimidazolium Nonafluorobutanesulfonate Ionic LiquidAntistat at 1 Percent by Weight. Surface Surface Resistivity Example(Front or Back) (ohms/square) C11 FRONT > 10 E 12 BACK > 10 E 12 50FRONT 2.1 × 10 E 8 BACK 6.7 × 10 E 7

It is apparent from the data in Table 9 that the addition of 1.0 weight% ionic liquid antistatic compound to the molded polycarbonate resinresulted in a dramatic decrease in the surface resistivity of the finalmolded part. Such reductions in surface resistivity generally correlatewith improved antistatic performance. Furthermore, it was noted that theaddition of ionic liquid antistat to the polycarbonate had no noticeableimpact on the processability of the molten polycarbonate resin or thequality of the final molded articles.

Example 51 and Comparative Example 12

A polypropylene film containing antistatic compound,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(Example 1), was prepared and evaluated for antistatic performance. Forcomparison, a polypropylene film without the compound was identicallyprepared and evaluated. Thus, the melt-blown nonwoven fabrics of Example23 and Comparative Example C4 were pressed into films as follows. About3.4 g of the folded melt-blown fabric was placed on a steel plate withinthe perimeter of an 11.2 cm by 17.1 cm by 0.177 mm thick shim andcovered with another steel plate. This assembly was then placed on aplaten press heated to 200° C. with the platens nearly touching forabout 30 seconds to premelt the fabric and allow for escape of airbefore pressing. Next, the construction was placed under 0.91 metric tonof pressure for about one minute. The assembly was removed from thepress and allowed to cool for about 30 seconds between two unheatedplatens. The formed film was then removed from the shim and steelplates.

The films prepared in this way were subjected to Test Method III—StaticCharge Dissipation Test. Results are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Static Charge Dissipation in Escorene ® PP3505 PolypropyleneFilm With and Without Octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Aver. Induced Electrostatic ChargeAver. Static Decay Example (Volts Rate (sec) No. Antistat Compound 10%RH 25% RH 50% RH 10% RH 25% RH 50% RH C12 None Not Not 4000 Not Not >10run run run run 51 C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂C₂H₄OH 1750 1750 1400 0.003 0.007 0⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (1%)

The data in Table 10 shows good static charge dissipation of Example 51compared with the control polypropylene film (Comparative Example C12).

Examples 52 and Comparative Example C13

Polyester film with and without a topical treatment of antistat compoundwere prepared and evaluated for surface resistivity. A 5 weight percentsolids solution of octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂(Example 1), in isopropanol was prepared. About 2 ml of solution waspipetted at the top of a 25.5 cm by 15.5 cm by 0.177 mm thick Mellinex617 film. The solution was then drawn over the film using a No. 12 wirewound bar. The resulting coating was dried in a forced air oven for 2.5minutes at 65° C. The surface resistivity of this coated film as well asan uncoated film was determined according to Test Method IV—SurfaceResistivity Test. The results are shown in Table 11.

Example 53

Melinex 617 film was coated with antistat compound,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide,C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂ (Example 1), without solvent as inExample 52, except that no solvent was used, a No. 3 wire wound bar wasused to coat the compound, and the resultant coating was not dried in anoven. The surface resistivity of this coated film was determined as inExample 52, and the results are shown in Table 11.

Various modifications and alterations of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antistatic composition comprising a melt blendof (a) at least one ionic salt consisting of a nonpolymeric nitrogenonium cation and a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anion, theconjugate acid of said anion being a superacid; and (b) at least onethermoplastic polymer.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein saidnitrogen onium cation is selected from the group consisting of acyclic,saturated cyclic, and aromatic nitrogen onium cations.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 2 wherein said nitrogen onium cation is selectedfrom the group consisting of acyclic and aromatic nitrogen oniumcations.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein said nitrogen oniumcation is an aromatic nitrogen onium cation.
 5. The composition of claim2 wherein said acyclic nitrogen onium cations are quaternary or tertiaryammonium ions.
 6. The composition of claim 5 wherein said ions have atleast two different nitrogen-bonded organic substituents.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 5 wherein said ions contain at least one hydroxylgroup in at least one nitrogen-bonded organic substituent.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 2 wherein said aromatic nitrogen onium cations areselected from the group consisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms, two said alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkyleneradical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure convergingon N, and phenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, said alkyleneradicals, and said phenyl groups can be substituted with one or moreelectron withdrawing groups.
 9. An antistatic composition comprising amelt blend of (a) at least one ionic salt consisting of (i) anonpolymeric acyclic, saturated cyclic, or aromatic nitrogen oniumcation and (ii) a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anion, said aromaticnitrogen onium cation being selected from the group consisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, twosaid alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkylene radical offrom 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure converging on N, andphenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, said alkylene radicals,and said phenyl groups can be substituted with one or more electronwithdrawing groups; and the conjugate acid of said anion being asuperacid; and (b) at least one thermoplastic polymer.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said weakly coordinating fluoroorganicanion is perfluorinated.
 11. The composition of claim 10 wherein saidanion is selected from the group consisting ofperfluoroalkanesulfonates, cyanoperfluoroalkanesulfonylamides,bis(cyano)perfluoroalkanesulfonylmethides,bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides,bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides, andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides.
 12. The composition of claim 11wherein said anion is selected from the group consisting ofperfluoroalkanesulfonates, bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides, andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides.
 13. The composition of claim 12wherein said anion is selected from the group consisting ofbis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides.
 14. The composition of claim 13wherein said anion is a bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imide.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the Hammett acidity function, H₀, of saidconjugate acid is less than about −10.
 16. The composition of claim 1wherein said ionic salt is thermally stable at about 325° C.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said ionic salt has a melting point belowabout 150° C.
 18. The composition of claim 1 wherein said ionic salt hasa melting point below about 25° C.
 19. The composition of claim 1wherein said ionic salt is hydrophobic.
 20. The composition of claim 1wherein said ionic salt consists of (i) an aromatic nitrogen oniumcation selected from the group consisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms, two said alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkyleneradical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure convergingon N, and phenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, said alkyleneradicals, and said phenyl groups can be substituted with one or moreelectron withdrawing groups; and (ii) a weakly coordinatingfluoroorganic anion, the conjugate acid of said anion being a superacid,or a weakly coordinating anion selected from the group consisting ofBF₄—, PF₆—, AsF₆—, and SbF₆—.
 21. The composition of claim 1 whereinsaid ionic salt is selected from the group of compounds represented bythe formula (R₁)_(4−z)N⁺[(CH₂)_(q)OR₂]_(z)X⁻  (I) wherein each R₁ isindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alicyclic,aryl, alkalicyclic, alkaryl, alicyclicalkyl, aralkyl, aralicyclic, andalicyclicaryl moieties that can contain one or more heteroatoms; each R₂is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and themoieties described above for R₁; z is an integer of 1 to 4; q is aninteger of 1 to 4; and X⁻ is said weakly coordinating fluoroorganicanion.
 22. The composition of claim 1 wherein said ionic salt isselected from the group consisting ofoctyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CF₃], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃], trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(perfluorobutanesulfonyl)imide:[(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂], triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide: [Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂],tetraethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate: [CF₃SO₃ ⁻⁺NEt₄],tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻⁺NEt₄], tetramethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide: [(CH₃)₄N⁺ ⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃],tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(C₄H₉)₄N⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide: [C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridinium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1-hexadecylpyridinium perfluorooctanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇], n-butylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], n-butylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate: [CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂CF₃], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumhexafluorophosphate: [CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃PF₆ ⁻],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃BF₄ ⁻], 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonyl perfluorobutanesulfonylimide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cyanotrifluoromethanesulfonylamide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(cyano)trifluoromethanesulfonylmethide,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-hydroxyethytrimethyltrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-methoxyethyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imideoctyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(cyano)trifluoromethanesulfonylmethide,trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide, 1-butylpyridiniumtrifluoromethylsulfonylperfluorobutanesulfonylimide,2-ethoxyethyltrimethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium perfluorobutanesulfonate,perfluoro-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1-ethyl-2-methylpyrazoliumperfluorobutanesulfonate, 1-butyl-2-ethylpyrazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, N-ethylthiazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-ethyloxazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and 1-butylpyrimidiniumperfluorobutanesulfonylbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, and mixtures thereof. 23.The composition of claim 22 wherein said ionic salt is selected from thegroup consisting of octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium perfluorobutanesulfonate:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂C₄F₉], octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate: [C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻OSO₂CF₃],octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide:[C₈H₁₇N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃], trimethyl-2-acetoxyethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: [(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH3⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(perfluorobutanesulfonyl)imide:[(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH⁻N(SO₂C₄F₉)₂], triethylammoniumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide: [Et₃N⁺H⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂],tetraethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate: [CF₃SO₃ ⁺⁻NEt₄],tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻⁺NEt₄], tetramethylammoniumtris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide: [(CH₃)₄N⁺⁻C(SO₂CF₃)₃],tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[(C₄H₉)₄N⁺⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂],trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide: [C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridinium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂C₂F₅)₂], 1-hexadecylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1-hexadecylpyridinium perfluorooctanesulfonate: [n-C₁₆H₃₃-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅⁻OSO₂C₈F₁₇], n-butylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻N(SO₂CF₃)₂], n-butylpyridiniumperfluorobutanesulfonate: [n-C₄H₉-cyc-N⁺C₅H₅ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻N(SO₂CF3)₂], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate: [CH₃-cyc-(N^(+C) ₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉],1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate:[CH₃-cyc-(N⁺C₂H₂NCH)CH₂CH₃ ⁻OSO₂CF₃], 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumtetrafluoroborate, and mixtures thereof.
 24. The composition of claim 23wherein said ionic salt is selected from the group consisting of2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium perfluorobutanesulfonate,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,triethylammonium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide, tetraethylammoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate,trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumnonafluorobutanesulfonate, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,3-ethylmethylimidazoliumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, and mixtures thereof.
 25. The composition ofclaim 24 wherein said ionic salt is selected from the group consistingof 2-hydroxyethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide,octyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,triethylammonium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium nonafluorobutanesulfonate,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide,1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and mixturesthereof.
 26. The composition of claim 1 wherein said thermoplasticpolymer is melt processable at temperatures above about 150° C.
 27. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selectedfrom the group consisting of poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylenes,polypropylene, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates,polyoxymethylenes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates,styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)copolymers, high-impact polystyrenes (SB), fluoroplastics, liquidcrystalline polymers (LCPs), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polysulfones,polyimides, polyetherimides, and poly(phenylene oxide)-polystyrene andpolycarbonate-ABS blends, and blends thereof.
 28. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the groupconsisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters, polyurethanes,polycarbonates, polyetherimides, polyimides, polyetherketones,polysulfones, polystyrenes, ABS copolymers, polyamides,fluoroelastomers, and blends thereof.
 29. The composition of claim 1wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consistingof polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonates, polyesters,polyurethanes, and blends thereof.
 30. The composition of claim 29wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consistingof polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyesters, and blends thereof.
 31. Anantistatic composition comprising a melt blend of (a) at least one ionicsalt consisting of (i) a nonpolymeric nitrogen onium cation (1) selectedfrom those represented by the formula (R₁)_(4−z)N⁺[(CH₂)_(q)OR₂]_(z)wherein each R₁ is independently selected from the group consisting ofalkyl, alicyclic, aryl, alkalicyclic, alkaryl, alicyclicalkyl, aralkyl,aralicyclic, and alicyclicaryl moieties that can contain one or moreheteroatoms; each R₂ is independently selected from the group consistingof hydrogen and the moieties described above for R₁; z is an integer of1 to 4; q is an integer of 1 to 4; or (2) selected from the groupconsisting of

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, F, alkyl groups of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms, two said alkyl groups joined together to form a unitary alkyleneradical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms forming a ring structure convergingon N, and phenyl groups; and wherein said alkyl groups, said alkyleneradicals, and said phenyl groups can be substituted with one or moreelectron withdrawing groups; and (ii) a weakly coordinatingfluoroorganic anion, the conjugate acid of which is a superacid, andthat is selected from the group consisting ofbis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)imides andtris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides; and (b) at least onethermoplastic polymer.
 32. A fiber comprising the composition ofclaim
 1. 33. A fabric comprising the fiber of claim
 32. 34. A filmcomprising the composition of claim
 1. 35. A molded or blown articlecomprising the composition of claim
 1. 36. A coating comprising thecomposition of claim
 1. 37.Trimethyl-3-perfluorooctylsulfonamidopropylammoniumbis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide.
 38. A process for preparing anantistatic composition comprising the steps of (a) combining (i) atleast one ionic salt consisting of a nonpolymeric nitrogen onium cationand a weakly coordinating fluoroorganic anion, the conjugate acid ofsaid anion being a superacid, and (ii) at least one thermoplasticpolymer; and (b) melt processing the resulting combination.
 39. Atopical treatment process comprising the step of applying a topicaltreatment composition to at least a portion of at least one surface ofat least one insulating material, said topical treatment compositionconsisting essentially of at least one ionic salt consisting of (a) anonpolymeric nitrogen onium cation selected from the group consisting ofquaternary ammonium ions, tertiary ammonium ions, saturated cyclicnitrogen onium cations, and aromatic nitrogen onium cations; and (b) aweakly coordinating fluoroorganic anion; the conjugate acid of saidanion being a superacid, and said ionic salt being a liquid at theapplication temperature.